Aday Mara barely talked to OKC in predraft process: 'Little surprising'

Aday Mara’s account of the NBA predraft process highlights how unpredictable team contact can be even when prospects expect a certain outcome. After transferring to Michigan and helping deliver a national championship, the 7-foot-3 center was consistently mocked in the lottery range, ultimately being selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the No. 12 pick of the 2026 NBA draft. Mara said he had “not really” much direct contact with Oklahoma City, adding that it was “more of an agent thing,” though he felt his combine interview went “really, really good.” The Thunder introduced him to local media, and he acknowledged the surprise of the selection. Oklahoma plans to use the rookie as it aims to extend its championship window and potentially fit him into a frontcourt rotation alongside Chet Holmgren.